Aalto Creatives Pre-incubator

The Aalto Creatives Pre-incubator is a 12-week program designed for creatives looking to turn their ideas into viable businesses. Held twice a year (March–June and September–December), the program combines weekly workshops, individual coaching sessions with business advisors using the Lean Canvas framework, and tailored mentoring across creative, tech, and business disciplines. Workshop topics cover developing an entrepreneurial mindset, service design, go-to-market strategy, funding essentials, intellectual property protection, team building, branding, and pitching. The program concludes with the Aalto Creatives Demo Day, where selected teams present their business ideas to an expert panel and the broader community. The opportunity is open to anyone with a relevant creative background (via profession or education) across sectors such as architecture, AR/VR/XR, arts, design, fashion, film, gaming, media, and music. Applicants do not need previous business experience or an incorporated company, but they must reside in the Helsinki capital region (Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa, or Kauniainen), as attendance on the Otaniemi campus is required.

Complete and submit the online Aalto Creatives application form. Shortlisted applicants will then be invited to participate in application interviews.